The smartwatch market caters to a wide range of budgets and needs. The Xiaomi Redmi Watch aims to deliver essential fitness tracking at an incredibly accessible price point, while the Honor Watch GS 3 positions itself as a premium offering with advanced features and a more refined design. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, helping you determine which aligns best with your lifestyle and priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and basic fitness tracking, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch is the clear winner. However, users willing to invest in a more feature-rich experience, particularly those valuing wireless charging and potentially a more robust ecosystem, will find the Honor Watch GS 3 a worthwhile upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| | - | No |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 26. Released 2020, December 01 | 2022, January 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame 316L |
| Dimensions | 41 x 35 x 11.9 mm (1.61 x 1.38 x 0.47 in) | 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.5 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 oz) | 44 g (1.55 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM)
50m water resistant | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 320 pixels (~323 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 4GB 32MB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, LE, EDR |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (China only) |
| Positioning | GPS (market/region dependent) | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 230 mAh | Li-Po 451 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Ivory | Black, Steel, Gold |
| Models | REDMIWT01 | MUS-B19 |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Watch
- Extremely affordable price point
- Essential fitness tracking features
- Likely long battery life due to simpler features
- Basic display technology (likely LCD)
- Limited feature set compared to competitors
- Unknown chipset performance
Honor Watch GS 3
- Premium design and build quality
- Wireless charging convenience
- Likely more advanced health and fitness tracking
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Reliance on Honor/Huawei ecosystem
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display data for the Redmi Watch, we can infer it utilizes a standard LCD panel common in its price bracket. The Honor Watch GS 3, being a premium device, likely features an AMOLED display offering superior contrast and color vibrancy. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests neither will dynamically adjust refresh rates for optimal power efficiency. Bezels on the Redmi Watch are likely more pronounced to maintain its low cost, while the GS 3 will likely have slimmer bezels contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Xiaomi Redmi Watch nor the Honor Watch GS 3 include cameras, focusing instead on core smartwatch functionality. This is a common design choice for fitness-focused wearables, prioritizing battery life and minimizing bulk.
Performance
Without chipset details for the Redmi Watch, its performance is expected to be adequate for basic fitness tracking and notifications. The Honor Watch GS 3, while not a powerhouse, benefits from a more optimized processor for smoother animations and faster app loading times. RAM capacity is unknown for both, but the GS 3 likely has more, enabling better multitasking. Thermal management is unlikely to be a significant concern for either device given their limited processing demands.
Battery Life
The Redmi Watch’s battery life will depend heavily on usage, but its simpler feature set suggests it could achieve several days of operation on a single charge. The Honor Watch GS 3, with its AMOLED display and more advanced features, will likely have a shorter battery life, potentially requiring daily charging. The GS 3’s inclusion of wireless charging offers a convenient alternative to traditional cable connections, a feature absent on the Redmi Watch.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch if you need a reliable, no-frills fitness tracker with essential features like heart rate monitoring and GPS, and are on a tight budget. It’s ideal for casual users and those new to smartwatches. Buy the Honor Watch GS 3 if you prefer a more premium design, appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and desire a broader range of health and fitness tracking capabilities, potentially integrating with a wider Honor/Huawei ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Honor Watch GS 3 integrate seamlessly with non-Honor smartphones?
While the Honor Watch GS 3 is compatible with both Android and iOS, full feature integration (like advanced health data syncing) is optimized within the Honor/Huawei ecosystem. Users with non-Honor phones may experience limited functionality compared to Honor device owners.
❓ Is the Redmi Watch water resistant enough for swimming?
The Redmi Watch likely offers basic water resistance (e.g., IP68), suitable for splashes and rain, but may not be suitable for prolonged submersion or high-intensity swimming. Check the official specifications for precise water resistance ratings.
❓ How does the GPS accuracy compare between the Redmi Watch and the Honor GS 3?
The Honor Watch GS 3, being a more premium device, likely utilizes a more accurate GPS module, resulting in more precise tracking of outdoor activities. The Redmi Watch's GPS accuracy may be adequate for basic tracking, but could be less reliable in challenging environments.